英美文化Unit7S.docVIP

Unit 7 The United States of America Geography and People Watch the map of U.S.A carefully and find clues to the following items location (bordering neighbors ) States (the smallest the largest state) Size and Location In the central part of North America (except Alaska and Hawaii); Canada on the north Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico on the south Atlantic Ocean on the east Pacific Ocean on the west total area—9,5 million square kilometers; 50 states and the federal district of Columbia—the seat of the Federal Government. States original 48 states Alaska and Hawaii, separated from the continent, became the 49th and 50th states in 1959. Alaska borders on northwestern Canada Hawaii lies in the central Pacific Ocean Alaska—the largest Rhode Island—the smallest Texas—the largest on the mainland 1. Three Geographic Divisions The Eastern Part The eastern part—the highlands formed by the Appalachian Range (阿巴拉挈亚山脉). The Western Part High plateaus (高原) and mountains—extending from Canada through the western part of the United States to Mexico and further south. One third of the country’s territory Rocky mountains The Great Central Plain Between the Appalachians in the east and the Rocky Mountains in the west. 2. Main Geographical Regions New England including six states in the northeastern corner. long history—the Europeans’ first settlement featured with mountains, valleys and rivers, and cities and towns with historic sites top-ranking universities Harvard Yale Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) The South Region including 13 states with plentiful rainfall and a mild to warm climate favorable climate for agriculture fast growing industry and population in recent years great size with few large cities New Orleans Miami Memphis Atlanta Birmingham The Western Region including 11 states, like Washington, Oregon and California, etc. Oregon--wealth of beautiful forests and streams California striking natural features--central valley,